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On October 4, 2018, the Parliamentary Vice-Ministers for the reshuffled Fourth Abe Cabinet were determined during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting.
　
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave letters of assignment to the newly appointed Parliamentary Vice-Ministers at the Prime Minister’s Office. Following this, the Prime Minister held a commemorative photograph session and attended the first meeting of Parliamentary Vice-Ministers.
 
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said,
 
“I would like to offer some remarks to the meeting of the Parliamentary Vice-Ministers.
 
The succession to the Imperial throne next year marks a major milestone in history. Immediately after that, Japan will host its first ever G20 Summit during its presidency of the G20. Furthermore, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in the year after that. As Japan reaches a significant turning point in its history, this is precisely the time to envision the future and carve out the next age, beyond the Heisei era.
 
There is a mountain of tasks we have to accomplish in order to create a Japan that is filled with hope and pride, and pass it on to the next generation.
 
We will accelerate efforts to recover from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Kumamoto Earthquake, and to revitalize Fukushima. We will also exert every effort for the recovery and reconstruction from the series of natural disasters that have hit Japan, disaster prevention and mitigation, and the promotion of national resilience.
 
Furthermore, we will create a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged and where everyone can work hard towards their dreams, and promote social security reform that will offer peace of mind to all generations.
 
While making the most of the individual characteristics of each region across Japan, we will create resilient regions that are full of opportunities for young people, and preserve beautiful and traditional hometowns for the next generation.
 
Japan will lead the efforts to establish global rules in the new era, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). At the same time, in the midst of turbulent international conditions, we will resolve the various issues faced by the international community, such as those related to North Korea, and build the foundations for peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region in this new era. 
 
United as one, the Cabinet will advance the implementation of policies, and I ask all the Parliamentary Vice-Ministers to fully exercise your abilities in your respective fields.
 
I hope that, based on appropriate relationships built on trust with civil servants, you will create environments that allow each ministry and agency to fully exercise their capabilities, support the Ministers and State Ministers, and do your utmost to advance politics for the people and the nation.”